Program Description: The CCEI Online Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) Certificate program of study provides the elements of early childhood training required by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to obtain the Florida staff credential. The program addresses the specific skills and knowledge necessary to work with children ages birth through five.

The program is composed of online coursework, textbook reading, essays, observations, portfolio creation, quizzes and exams, and documentation requirements. Each student enrolled in the program is assigned an Education Coach (EC), who has previous experience working in a child care center or school and has full working knowledge of the state requirements for the FCCPC. Upon successful completion of the CCEI Online FCCPC program requirements, student information will be submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families for issuance of the credential.

In addition, this program has been evaluated by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS), formerly known as the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (National PONSI), and has been recommended for 10 semester hours of credit in Human/Child Development or Early Childhood Education in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category.

Program Objectives: Upon satisfactorily completing the FCCPC Certificate program, students should be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of child growth and development

Identify the components to advance the physical, cognitive, communicative and creative development of young children

Demonstrate the ability to create a developmentally appropriate learning environment that is safe, healthy, respectful, and supportive of children and families

Identify the requirements of a safe, healthy learning environment for young children

Demonstrate the ability to develop educational programs that promote the social and emotional development of children

Define positive guidance techniques to support appropriate social and emotional development of young children

Define emotional and cognitive development

Demonstrate the ability to develop educational programs that improve motor, language, and cognitive development of children, including literacy development

Demonstrate the ability to promote involvement and positive relationships with families and communities

List the guidelines to establish productive relationships with families

Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply the principles of screening and assessment of young children

Define assessment as it relates to children in the early care setting

Demonstrate the ability to identify and implement professionalism in the field of early childhood education

Identify the requirements to maintain a commitment to professionalism

Demonstrate the ability to identify and implement effective early childhood program management techniques

Identify the components required to ensure a well-run, purposeful early childhood program responsive to the needs of the participants

Demonstrate the ability to prepare an early childhood professional portfolio

List the required components to document professional growth

Student Assessment: Students enrolled in the FCCPC Certificate program are assessed using the following methods:

Competency based multiple choice questions

Open-ended essay questions

Student activity and/or observations with written feedback

End of Course Quizzes in multiple choice format. Students must pass each quiz with a grade of 70% or better to complete the course

Classroom observations as described in program elements

Early Childhood Portfolio as described in program elements

Cumulative Final Exam in multiple choice format. Students must pass the exam with a grade of 70% or better to complete the certificate program

Enrollment Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older

Must possess a high school diploma or GED obtained from institutions accredited and recognized by U. S. Department of Education and submit documentation as proof. High school diplomas issued by private schools that are registered with the Florida Department of Education will also be accepted. If a high school diploma is earned outside the U. S., it must be translated by someone who is a member of the American Translators Association, an approved credential evaluation agency approved by the Bureau of Educators Certification, or an accredited college/university.

Must have access to a computer and printer

Must have a valid email address

Must have access to the Internet through a JavaScript enabled web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox, etc.)

Must be able to speak, read, and write well enough in the language in which the course is presented to understand and complete the course material

Must submit proof of 480 clock hours, in the last five (5) years, of working with children in an early childhood care setting. Of the 480 clock-hour requirement, 80 clock hours must be completed while enrolled in the training

Must complete all assigned coursework and readings

Must be observed at least once by a student-selected, CCEI approved observer, while working with children as a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom setting

Must compile and maintain an Early Childhood Portfolio that is reviewed and approved by the student-selected, CCEI approved observer